Girls’ lacrosse: @McDonogh (MD) handles @HarritonLax, 18-8

VERO BEACH, Fla. – McDonogh School broke open a one-goal game with three late first-half goals and then coasted to an 18-8 victory over Harriton tonight at Indian River Lacrosse Field here in Vero Beach.

The Eagles, playing their third Top 20 team in three days, swept their three-game opening and extended its win streak to 94. The Eagles also defeated No. 12 Vero Beach (12-8) and No, 17 Georgetown Visitation (D.C.), 21-10.

McDonogh now stands nine wins for the national record of consecutive victories (103) set by Lock Raven (MD) in the 1970s-80s and Mt. Hebron (MD), from 2001-07.

Harriton, the defending PIAA champion and No. 2-ranked team by Phillylacrosse.com, will play host Vero Beach (10-1) Saturday at 5 p.m.

The Eagles showed incredible depth as they outscored the Rams, 11-2 over the final 30 minutes.

Megan Whittle led the attack with four goals and an assist and Olivia Jenner and Brindi Griffin each had three goals. Kelsey Cummings had two goals and two assists while Miranda McCoy, Savannah Buchanon and Andie Aldave each scored twice. Elizabeth George had three assists.

Katie Melvin scored five goals for Harriton.

“We woke up this morning coming off a big win and we had to focus again,” Whittle said. “We went into it not knowing as much about the team as we did for Vero and Visitation, but it worked out.”

“We brought so much intensity and I think knowing it was our last game of the trip we just wanted to go out and play our hardest,” added George. “I think we did that.”

Possession was the key. McDonogh won 21 of 26 draws.

Harriton players were disappointed in the second-half performance after a strong first half.

“I think we played well as a team in the first half,” said Melvin.”In the second, we kind of broke down a little bit.”

Added Sabrina Tobasso (one goal): “I think we played well the first half and then lost our composure early in the second half. We weren’t making passes and winning draw controls.”

How do you feel going into Saturday’s game against Vero Beach?

“It’s a must-win,” Melvin said. “We feel good about it, we’re still the same team we were before.”

“It’s a totally new day, totally new game. It’s a very different team.”